I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

HB196 is a very important piece of legislation that MUST be passed by the General Assembly. Currently, the age demographic most at risk of losing housing are our senior Virginia citizens. The work done by the NAEH and the NLIHC and VHA demonstrate this most graphically. This extra protection for those 65+ allows this to pay rent without incurring late charges. Many of our seniors DO NOT receive their monthly income on the first of the month and with most rental agreements requiring payment on the first this places them squarely in the cross hairs of losing housing. As someone who administered prevention funding for 8 years, I cannot tell you how often I had to address these types of situations. The stories would make you heart hurt. Many times, having a conversation with the landlord would result in them not taking any action as long as the payment was received. The mental health relief that this bill can give to our senior citizens is immense. To have this one thing, SHELTER, not be compromised would go a long way to keeping seniors from presenting to the Continuums of Care.